Why do geologists study rocks

Paleontologists are interested in fossils and how ancient organisms lived. Scientists who compare the geology of other planets to Earth are planetary geologists. Some geologists study the Moon. Others look for petroleum. Still others specialize in studying soil. Some geologists can tell how old rocks are and determine how different rock layers formed. There is probably an expert in almost anything you can think of related to Earth! Geologists might study rivers and lakes, the underground water found between soil and rock particles, or even water that is frozen in glaciers.

Studying the layers of rock beneath the surface helps us to understand the history of planet Earth figure 2. Figure 3. Meteorology includes the study of weather patterns, clouds, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Meteorology is very important. Using radars and satellites, meteorologists work to predict, or forecast, the weather figure 3. The atmosphere is a thin layer of gas that surrounds Earth. Climatologists study the atmosphere. When the ice melts, the crust slowly rises up again.

A series of raised beaches the long curved lines show how much the crust has risen. In other parts of the world, sea level is getting higher as the glaciers melt. Geologists use these clues to figure out what is buried under the ground surface. This information can be used in many different ways. Geologists can look at how stones are lined up or the shape of ripples and tell which way the ancient river that deposited them was flowing.

The sand in this picture was deposited in a huge glacial lake that drained away thousands of years ago. The gravel was deposited in river channels that flowed across the sand. For example, by understanding where earthquakes have occurred in the past, we have a much better idea of where they are likely to occur in the future and can be prepared for them.

Second, by gaining an understanding of how planets work, we can better predict how the Earth will react to changes.

For example, if we understand how the Earth and its life responded to temperature changes in the past, we might better understand the effects of the global warming that is happening today. So the basic point is to better understand our world. This helps us to better coexist with nature and reap the benefits that it has to offer.

Find Your Rock:. Why Should We Study Rocks?